How to Apply CC Cream

Co-authored by Daniel Vann and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: December 3, 2022 Approved

CC, or “color control,” cream is a lightweight makeup product that can be used in place of foundation or as a primer. CC cream helps hide skin imperfections, like redness or hyperpigmentation, while also protecting your skin from sun damage and treating blemishes, fine lines, and age spots. It’s easy to apply, all you need are your fingers or a makeup brush!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using CC Cream

1
Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin. CC cream should be applied to clean skin. Wash your face using your favorite cleanser and gently pat your skin dry. Then, if you have oily skin, apply toner using a cotton ball. If you have dry skin, gently apply moisturizer.
2
Put small dots of CC cream on your face. Squeeze a small amount of CC cream onto your fingers. If you want to use the product all over your face, put 1 dot on your forehead, 1 on your nose, 1 on your chin, and 1 on each cheek. Otherwise, put 1 dot in each area you want coverage, like the sides of your nose or near blemishes.

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3
Blend the cream with a makeup brush or with clean fingers. CC cream can be applied the way you like best, whether that’s with your fingers or with a brush. Pat the cream to spread it around your face, rather than rubbing your skin, which can irritate it. Alternatively, sweep a makeup brush across your skin to blend the cream outward.
- If you use your fingers, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands first to remove dirt, germs, and oil.
- Similarly, if you use a makeup brush, be sure to wash it weekly.
4
Add more cream to problem areas, if desired. If you want to cover blemishes more thoroughly you can build up the CC cream. Simply add another small dot to problem areas, like dark circles under your eyes. Blend it in with the rest of the cream so you have a smooth and even complexion.^{[1]
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- Adding another layer is more effective than simply applying a lot of product the first time around.
EXPERT TIP

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician

CC Cream is best used on problem areas. Daniel Vann, a licensed aesthetician, says: "Color correcting creams are best for extreme cases when foundation and concealer don't work. Foundation is also a color corrector, so your foundation should be able to do what CC creams do. You should try not to apply too many products to your face, and many products already have a color correction in them."
5
Buff your skin with a makeup brush. Whether you are using CC cream alone or still plan to put on foundation, use a large, circular makeup brush to buff your skin and ensure all the product is evenly distributed. Make small circular motions with the brush, starting at your forehead and working down to your chin.
6
Apply foundation, if desired. CC creams smooth out your skin tone and cover blemishes. You can use CC cream by itself, or use it like a primer underneath your foundation. If you want to use the product like a primer, the next step is to use clean fingers or a makeup brush to apply a small amount of foundation to your skin. Blend it thoroughly, paying special attention to your hairline and jawline.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Choosing the Right Cream

1
Ensure the color matches your skin tone as closely as possible. If possible, get samples of a few different brands of CC cream and test them near your jawline to find which kind matches your skin tone the best. The cream should easily blend in with your skin color, rather than looking chalky or like a mask.^{[2]
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2
Pick a CC cream formulated for your skin type. One product does not fit all in this case. Read the packaging to determine which products are designed for your specific skin type.
- If you have dry skin, for example, choose a CC cream made to moisturize skin, like one containing hyaluronic acid.
- If you have oily skin, pick a CC cream that is oil-free has a matte finish.
- If you have sensitive skin, select a CC cream that is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic.
3
Choose a cream that targets your problem areas. Different CC creams tout various benefits, from sun protection and minimizing pores to clearing up acne and lightening age spots. Think about what you want to correct and pick a product designed to do so.
- For instance, choose a product with stem cell technology to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Alternatively, opt for a cream packed with antioxidants to minimize breakouts.
4
Determine how much coverage you want. Some CC creams work like a tinted moisturizer, while others have heavier pigmentation like foundation. If you want more coverage, choose a product with a thicker texture and opaque color. If you prefer a minimal amount of coverage, pick a cream with a light texture and translucent color.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it okay to apply nourisher before applying CC cream?

Community Answer

Yes. Let lotions absorb before applying BB or CC cream. CC creams are to be used like foundation.
Question

Is CC cream a foundation, or do I use it and then put foundation on?

Community Answer

CC cream can be used as a lightweight foundation. If you want something a bit more full coverage, I suggest just foundation or layering the two.
Question

Can I use a sponge instead of a brush?

Paula_Vega

Community Answer

Yes! Using sponge or beauty blender to apply liquid cosmetics would be your best bet, since there would be less marks.